Tactical Shotguns- Remington vs. Mossberg

This is a discussion on Tactical Shotguns- Remington vs. Mossberg within the Long Guns Discussion forums, part of the Long Guns category; I'm in the same boat. up in the air with the Mossy or the 870. Whatever I get I will ...

I'm in the same boat. up in the air with the Mossy or the 870. Whatever I get I will be putting the Knoxx stock on it with the pistol grip and shock absorbing setup. I got to shoot one at the range last weekend and couldn't believe how smooth the recoil is with it compared to a regualr 12 ga stock. That would be a must have if I bought a semi auto 12ga shotty

It seem's most on this site prefer the pump action over semi-auto. Why is that? Is it reliability? Today's semi-auto's have worked that out. Is it price? Is it "the sound" of racking a shell?

I too am considering a home defense shotgun, but I'm leaning towards the Mossberg 930-SPX. It has a short barrel and high capacity but could double as a SHTF gun in a pinch. What am I missing? What is the advantage of a pump over a semi-auto for home defense? I'd really like to know before I commit to a purchase.

Semi versus Pump

I can tell you unequivocably that my 11-87 semi is not as reliable as my 870 pump. That said, my 11-87 is VERY reliable (with the right ammo), and it offers the following advantages over the 870: Number one, I don't need to manually cycle the action to load a round on a semi; Number two, the semi soaks up recoil and is easier to shoot; Number 3, a typical pump requires a longer reach to comfortably operate (so I had to change stocks on my 870 for my short arms); Number 4, I can fire the semi with one hand if I have to; and Number 5, it's easier to attach accessories to a semi than a pump--like a flashlight. Bottom line, though, is I trust my 11-87 to work, and I know I can put up a better fight with it if I have to in the dark of night. As for the sound of racking a shell, I'm not waiting until I desperately need a shotgun to get a shell in the chamber, and I figure if the sight of that tube staring at them doesn't do the trick, the blast certainly will!

Thanks BillW. I appreciate the feedback. The 5 reasons you listed are why I'm looking at the SA's instead of the pump's.

Originally Posted by BillW

I can tell you unequivocably that my 11-87 semi is not as reliable as my 870 pump. That said, my 11-87 is VERY reliable (with the right ammo), and it offers the following advantages over the 870: Number one, I don't need to manually cycle the action to load a round on a semi; Number two, the semi soaks up recoil and is easier to shoot; Number 3, a typical pump requires a longer reach to comfortably operate (so I had to change stocks on my 870 for my short arms); Number 4, I can fire the semi with one hand if I have to; and Number 5, it's easier to attach accessories to a semi than a pump--like a flashlight. Bottom line, though, is I trust my 11-87 to work, and I know I can put up a better fight with it if I have to in the dark of night. As for the sound of racking a shell, I'm not waiting until I desperately need a shotgun to get a shell in the chamber, and I figure if the sight of that tube staring at them doesn't do the trick, the blast certainly will!

The safety on the Mossberg is located on the top of the receiver. On a traditionally stocked shotgun this setup works well, but throw a pistol gripped stock on it and you can't release the safety while maintaining a shooting grip. Try one out and you'll see what I mean. If you want a pistol grip I'd definately go with the Remington (much better safety placement), if you're getting a more traditional stock either should serve you well.

I got to try out a Remmington 500 at the local range with the Knoxx recoil suppression stock with the pistol grip.

You are right.

I bought an 870 express at a pawn shop that was like new with both barrels for 255. I installed a Knoxx recoil supression stock for 114. Right now I'm at 369 bucks and have a damn nice home defense gun that doubles as a hunting gun. All i need to do is get the ext tube and door breacher and i'll be set for under 400 bucks.

I cannot stress how awesome that Knoxx RSS is. It makes a heavy brass 3" shot shell act like a 410 with low brass target shells.Anyone seriously considering a home defense shotgun should try to rent or use a shotty with this stock. Remmington offers these straight from the factory, whereas Mossburg does not. They also allow you to adjust the should pad 4" for people with short/long arms.

a friend of mine has a mossberg mariner,stainless steel,made for the navy&coast guard,18" bbl. had it parkerized so no glare or shine to give it away, great shotgun. he was a marine during the cuban missle crissis and a merchant marine for many years thus his choice, wont rust!

Both are great guns. I happen to have a mossy. Picked it up for $125 about 15 years ago. Goose/duck barrel and deer barrel. I added the folding stock, side saddle ammo carrier, red dot, Heat shield and sling.

I'm sure I would have been just as happy with an 870 but this shotty does the trick.

this is my 500. it had a pistol grip on it but i wanted this instead. its the knoxx spec ops stock adjustable w/ recoil reduction springs in it. it shoots great and makes the magnum loads much easier for follow up shots. its no where near finished but im slowly starting to get it the way i vision it in my head.

i chose mossberg for a variety of reasons. the location of the safety is easier for me to engage and disengage it. the slide release is in a much easier position to get to than that on the 870. at least i think so. there are many options available through mossberg. and the fact that they are the largest provider of shotguns to the US Military. they easily pass all the strict military tests. remmington makes a good shotgun too though. i just dont like where everything is located on the reciever. and the price is a little higher than mossbergs. when it comes to shotguns, id rather have a mossberg than any other. but thats just me.